Drafted in the 2nd round (48th overall) by the Cleveland Guardians in 2003 (signed for $710,000).
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While Pomeranz is a better prospect, Herrera could go before him in the draft--possibly in the supplemental first round--because of the expected emphasis on college players and the shortfall of catchers. He missed most of the 2002 season after breaking his right hamate bone and having arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. Herrera's catch-and-throw skills are his strength, though he threw out just 20 percent of basestealers this year. He has some power and uses the entire field, but he never has been very productive at the plate. His bat will determine whether he'll become an everyday catcher in the big leagues.
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The Indians took catchers with consecutive early-round picks in the 2003 draft, and they're opposite players. Third-rounder Ryan Garko is an offensive player who has to improve behind the plate, while Herrera is a classic catch-and-throw guy who'll have to prove he can hit. Herrera's unquestioned strength is his ability to handle pitchers and call a game. He had to adjust to wood bats, learning to call more fastballs and trying to induce contract rather than trying to fool hitters with breaking pitches. Herrera has polished receiving skills and his arm has bounced back after he had arthroscopic shoulder surgery in 2002. He erased just 20 percent of basestealers in college and 17 percent in pro ball last year, but should improve on those marks in the future. As a hitter, Herrera needs to focus on staying patient and making consistent contact. He projects as a .250-.260 hitter with gap power but few homers. He's a below-average runner but quicker than most catchers. Cleveland promoted Herrera ahead of Garko last summer, but they may have to split the catching duties in low Class A this year.
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Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Cleveland Guardians in 2006
Rated Best Defensive Catcher in the Cleveland Guardians in 2005
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